NEW YORK, April 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The Thornton Tomasetti Foundation has named Adam Bichir, Jingyu Lee and Francesca Renouard as recipients of its second annual National Scholarship awards. Soon to be graduates from the University of Michigan, Illinois Institute of Technology and the University of Washington, respectively, the three engineering students will each receive $10,000 to pursue a master's degree in structural engineering.
The scholarship winners were chosen from 12 universities across the country. Candidates were nominated by a university dean or department chair, and graded on factors such as career goals, academic accomplishments, and demonstrated interest in the integration of structural engineering and architecture. Recipients must intend to make an impact on the structural design of buildings, and practice structural engineering in the building field upon completion of their degree requirements.
The Thornton Tomasetti Foundation jury, which reviewed the submissions, included Chicago Managing Principal Joe Burns and senior principals Bruce Gibbons of Los Angeles, Steve Hofmeister of Kansas City, Gary Mancini of New York and R. Wayne Stocks of Washington, D.C.
Adam Bichir:
- Adam Bichir is working towards a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan.
- He was one of the founding members of the Bridges to Prosperity student chapter at the University, where he designed a spreadsheet to determine the length and sizing of cable based on design load. His contribution will aid future Bridges to Prosperity teams.
- Mr. Bichir is already involved in research studies, specifically the performance of structures and materials subject to fire in extreme load events, and is looking to continue this research with the possibility of shifting his focus to seismic loads.
Jingyu Lee:
- Jingyu Lee will hold degrees in Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering and Architecture upon graduating from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
- He is a founding member of the Structural Engineers Association student chapter and was President for the first six months.
- Mr. Lee was an intern with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, where he supported the team designing the CTF Tianjin Tower in Tianjin China.
Francesca Renouard:
- Ms. Renouard is working toward a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree from the University of Washington.
- She is focused on pursuing a thesis based masters in structural engineering.
- Her career aspirations are to focus on the design of new buildings and the retrofit of old ones while working closely with architects.
Quotes:
Richard Tomasetti, chairman, Thornton Tomasetti Foundation
"Adam, Jingyu and Francesca have proven themselves exemplary among their peers. Their innovative thinking will ensure they make great impacts on the contribution of engineering to the built environment. The Thornton Tomasetti Foundation is proud to offer students the opportunity to fulfill their dream of attending graduate school and pursuing a career in structural engineering."
Supporting Materials
The Thornton Tomasetti Foundation
About The Thornton Tomasetti Foundation
The Thornton Tomasetti Foundation, a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization established in February 2008, is focused on funding fellowships, scholarships and internships for undergraduate students and those planning to pursue graduate studies in building engineering, design or technology. It also provides financial support for individuals and organizations pursuing philanthropic activities related to building engineering, design or technology. Key elements of the program are college scholarships, traveling internships and grants to and partnerships with nonprofit organizations.
CONTACT: Great Ink Communications – 212-741-2977
Eric Gerard/Lindsay Church
Email
Thornton Tomasetti, Inc. – 917-661-7800
James M. Kent Email